Magnetic connectors and coupled track segments for rolling balls down a vertical surface

ABSTRACT

An assembly includes a track segment having a channel for holding a rolling object. A first 3D-printed connector is attachable to a first end of the track segment. The first 3D-printed connector is slidable onto the first end of the track segment. The first 3D-printed connector incudes a first magnet embedded therein that enables the first 3D-printed connector to be attachable to a ferromagnetic surface. A second 3D-printed connector is attachable to a second end of the track segment. The second 3D-printed connector is slidable onto the second end of the track segment. The second 3D-printed connector includes a second magnet embedded therein that enables the second 3D-printed connector to be attached to the ferromagnetic surface. Each of the first 3D-printed connector and the second 3D-printed connector is a single piece.

REFERENCE TO EARLIER FILED APPLICATION

This application is continuation of U.S. Pat. App No. 17/387,693, filedJul. 28, 2021, which claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S.Provisional Pat. App No. 63/060,549, filed Aug. 3, 2020, both of whichare incorporated herein, by this reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the disclosure relate generally to modular wall tracks,and more specifically, related to magnetic connectors and coupled tracksegments for rolling balls down a vertical surface.

BACKGROUND

Tracks for balls (such as marbles) and for cars exist in the market,some that are standalone assemblies that can be placed on the floor andothers that are wall mounted. Many of the latter, however, are flimsy,difficult to manufacture inexpensively while making a durable product,or are designed such that the ball often flies off the track.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more particular description of the disclosure briefly described abovewill be rendered by reference to the appended drawings, where likecomponents will be similarly numbered. Understanding that these drawingsonly provide information concerning typical embodiments and are nottherefore to be considered limiting of its scope, the disclosure will bedescribed and explained with additional specificity and detail throughthe use of the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example fully assembled track kitcontaining magnetic connectors and coupled track segments attachable toa ferromagnetic surface according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an assembly of track segments usingmagnetic connectors attached to ferromagnetic metallic plates of a trackkit according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2B is a top view of the assembly of FIG. 2A according to anembodiment.

FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C are perspective, top, and bottom exploded views,respectively, of a track segment and magnetic connector combinationaccording to various embodiments.

FIG. 4A is a perspective, see-through view of a magnetic connector for atrailing end of a track segment according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4B is a side, see-through view of the magnetic connector of FIG. 4Aaccording to an embodiment.

FIG. 4C is a perspective see-through view of a magnetic connector for aleading end of a track segment according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4D is a side, see-through view of the magnetic connector of FIG. 4Caccording to an embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged side view of a lock mechanism between a tracksegment and the magnetic connector of FIGS. 4A-4B.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are top and bottom exploded views, respectively, of atrack segment and coupled magnetic connectors according to anotherembodiment.

FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C are a perspective view and top and front see-throughviews, respectively, of a magnetic connector having two side magnets andto couple to a trailing end of a track segment according an embodiment.

FIGS. 7D, 7E, 7F are a perspective view and top and front see-throughviews, respectively, of a magnetic connector having two side magnets andto couple to a leading end of a track segment according an embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a top view of two track segments that are interconnected usingpolar opposite magnets in coupled magnetic connectors according to anembodiment.

FIG. 9A is a top, exploded view of a track segment and pair of magneticconnectors having three magnets according to an embodiment.

FIG. 9B is a cross-section view of the track segment and pair ofmagnetic connectors along Section A-A illustrated in FIG. 9A accordingto an embodiment.

FIG. 9C is a side view of the track segment and pair of magneticconnectors of FIG. 9A according to an embodiment.

FIG. 9D is the cross-section view of the track segment and pair ofmagnetic connectors along Section B-B illustrated in FIG. 9A accordingto an embodiment.

FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C are rear perspective, front perspective, and topexploded views, respectively, of a pair of connectors coupled to a tracksegment according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 10D and 10E are the rear perspective and front perspectiveexploded views of FIGS. 10A and 10B, respectively, after insertion ofside magnets according to an embodiment.

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of a snake track segment according to anembodiment.

FIG. 11B is an exploded view of a hinge between movable sections of thesnake track segment according to an embodiment.

FIG. 11C is a top view of the snake track segment according to anembodiment.

FIGS. 12A, 12B, 12C are a perspective, a top, and a bottom view,respectively, of a funnel track segment according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 13A and 13B are back perspective and front perspective views,respectively, of a pegs track segment according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 14A, 14B, 14C are perspective, side, and top views, respectively,of a side-by-side track assembly using magnets on two sides of magneticconnectors according to various embodiments.

FIG. 15A is a side view of a double-starter track segment in a closedposition and a pair of magnetic connectors according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 15B and 15C are cross-section views of the double-starter tracksegment illustrated in FIG. 15A along Section A-A and Section B-B,respectively, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 15D is a side view of the double-starter track segment in an openedposition and a pair of magnetic connectors according to an embodiment.

FIG. 15E is a perspective view of the double-starter track segment and apair of magnetic connectors according to an embodiment.

FIG. 16A is a side view of a gate actuator track segment that interactswith a gate track segment according to an embodiment.

FIG. 16B is a perspective view of the gate actuator track segment in aclosed position and a pair of magnetic connectors according to anembodiment.

FIG. 16C is a side view of the gate actuator track segment in an openedposition and a pair of magnetic connectors according to an embodiment.

FIG. 16D is a perspective view of the gate track segment in a closedposition and a pair of magnetic connectors according to an embodiment.

FIG. 16E is a side view of the gate track segment in an opened positionand a pair of magnetic connectors according to an embodiment.

FIG. 17A is a perspective view of a light switcher track segment and apair of magnetic connectors according to an embodiment.

FIG. 17B is a perspective view of a light switcher track segment and apair of magnetic connectors with a light switcher dropper according toan embodiment.

FIG. 17C is a cross-section view of the light switcher dropperillustrated in FIG. 17B along Section B-B according to an embodiment.

FIG. 17D is a perspective view of a toggle switch actuator according toan embodiment.

FIG. 17E is a perspective view of a rocker switch actuator according toan embodiment.

FIG. 17F is a perspective view of a light switcher track segment with alight switcher dropper connected to a toggle switch actuator mounted toa toggle light switch according to an embodiment.

FIG. 17G is a perspective view of a light switcher track segment with alight switcher dropper connected to a rocker switch actuator mounted toa rocker light switch according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

By way of introduction, the present disclosure relates to modular walltracks, and more specifically, relates to magnetic connectors andcoupled track segments for rolling balls down a vertical surface. Thevertical surface can be a wall, a side of furniture, or just about anyvertical surface to which ferromagnetic material pieces can be adhered,whether or not metallic. A ferromagnetic material includes any material(metallic or non-metallic) to which magnets are attracted, e.g. mostferrous alloys. Disclosed modular track components can be sold in a kitand optionally partially assembled to include various types of tracksegments and magnetic connectors that can be coupled to one or more endof the track segments. Magnets positioned inside of the connectorsenable releasably positioning the connectors against the verticalsurface to position the different track segments in differentcombinations, as will be discussed in more detail with reference to FIG.1 . The kit can include the ferromagnetic plates to facilitatepositioning the magnetic connectors to a vertical surface that is notferromagnetic but to which the ferromagnetic plates can be adhered orotherwise attached.

In various embodiments, the track segments can be straight, other typesof slides, loop-de-loop, switchbacks, funnel, snake-like, wavy, includea pegs segment, and other types of designs. By making the track segmentsdifferent, the disclosed kit enables youth and adults alike to stretchtheir minds in assembling different track configurations, which can beused to time descent or race against another track. These track segmentscan be three-dimensionally (3D) printed using additive manufacturingmethods, such as 3D printing, to facilitate efficient, inexpensivemanufacturing of many different types of track segments, althoughinjection molding is also envisioned and could be used in alternativeembodiments.

In some embodiments, the magnetic connectors are designed to provide aconsistent connection between the track segments and means of attachmentto the vertical surface, e.g., with use of magnets located inside of theconnectors. The connectors are sized to be much shorter than (e.g.,typically no more than twenty percent (20%) although some may be as muchas forty percent (40%) for shorter track pieces) the length of the tracksegments, thus enabling the use of a reduced track profile size alongthe length of the track and thus the material needed to manufacture thethe track kit. Using less material means reducing the cost tomanufacture the track kit.

The connectors can also be 3D printed using high-strength neodymiummagnets or magnets that are inserted midway through the process of 3Dprinting while the printing is paused. Thus, the magnets cannot fall outand create a choking (or other health) hazard. Further, assembly time ofgluing or using adhesives to affix the magnets is avoided, and the lackof adhesives enables the track components to remain clean and maintain aclean appearance without glue drops or other visual flaws.

In various embodiments, the connectors can each include one, two, orthree magnets. While the single-magnet connector enables attachment to avertical (or substnatially vertrical) ferromagnetic surface, thetwo-magnet connector enables both attachment to a ferromagnetic surfaceand attachment of connectors side by side to enable dual-trackconstructions to facilitate racing two adjacent, assembled tracksagainst each other. Further, a third magnet can be added behind a frontsurface of each magnetic connector to provide additional force ofattraction between mating connectors as will be explaind in more detail.Additionally, the front surface of each connector that mates to anotherconnector can include either a male or female registry feature tofacilitate interconnecting the magnetic connectors and supportingadditional shear force while staying attached. The support of additionalshear force enables greater resistance to movement when subjected tohigher dynamic loading, e.g., fast moving or dropping ball onto a tracksegment.

Furthermore, in some embodiments, the magnetic connectors employ a snapfit design using a lock between each connector and a corresponding endof a track segment. In one embodiment, the lock includes a depression onan underside of the end of the track segment into which mates aprotrusion located on the inside of the magnetic connector. For example,a first end of the track segment may comprise a first half of a lockingmechanism and the first connector may comprise a second half of thelocking mechanism that mates with the first half of the lockingmechanism to lock the first connector to the track segment. In a relatedembodiment, the depression instead is a group of channels and theprotrusion is a corresponding group of ridges that fit into the group ofchannels. These locking mechanisms can also enable permanent attchmentof the magnetic connectors to the track segment, thus further avoidingthe use of adhesives to attach the magnetic connectors to the tracksegments. In other embodiments, the magnetic connectors are attached tothe track segments using adhesives, glues, plastic welding, melting, orthe like.

The use of 3D printing to manufacture the track segments enables theproduction of some designs that would not be possible with injectionmolding even with the use of complicated injection mold undercuts andslides, e.g., funnel, loop-de-loop, switchbacks, snake withprint-in-place hinges. While there are work-arounds that could be usedto manufacture similar designs, use of 3D printing makes the tracksegments and magnetic connectors print as a single piece with lessmanufacturing assembly time and results in a cleaner looking design. Theabove-noted and other advantages apparent to those skilled of the artwill be discussed in additional detail with reference to the belowFigures.

Further, the features of different embodiments can be cross-mixed withfeatures from other, related embodiments as would be apparent to thoseskilled in the art. For example, the number of and location of themagnets can change, the type of and location of registry features canchange, the types of track segment(s) can change, the general profile ofthe track can change, and the type and location of lock features canchange across disclosed embodiments. Additionally, any of the tracksegments in any embodiment can be swapped with any other track segmentin another embodiment. As features of different embodiments arecross-mixed, the need to ensure the compatibility of registry featuresbetween various connectors and the compatibility of locking featuresbetween connectors and track segments will be apparent to those skilledof the art.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example fully assembled track kit 100containing magnetic connectors and coupled track segments attachable toa ferromagnetic material surface according to an embodiment. While anumber of track components are illustrated, the track kit 100 caninclude fewer or more components than those illustrated. In variousembodiments, the track kit 100 includes a flat ferromagnetic metal sheet102 that can be attached to a vertical surface such as a wall. The flatferromagnetic metal sheet 102 can be made of a suitable metal such assteel or other ferromagnetic material. The flat ferromagnetic metalsheet 102 may be square or rectangular, and in one embodiment, is 28inches by 28 inches and in another embodiment, the flat ferromagneticmetal sheet 102 is 18 inches wide by 12 inches tall.

In some embodiments, the track kit 100 also includes one or more ball101, which can be a marble, a metal ball, or a ball made of some othermaterial with sufficient mass to roll down the assembled track andcomplete any loop or other segments located therein. While a ball of5/8ths inch is envisioned for sliding down an assembled track,different-sized balls can be used, and particularly with different-sizedtracks that generally are manufactured with the principles describedherein.

In various embodiments, the track kit 100 includes a number of tracksegments of different types, shapes, and designs. For example, the tracksegments can include, but not be limited to, a straight segment 106, aloop-de-loop segment 108, a switchback segment 110 (or re-directionsegment), a convex segment 112, a bumpy segment 114, a wavy segment 116,a concave segment 118, a snake segment 120, a funnel segment 124, a loopsegment 126, and the like. Each track segment can be configured with across-section design having a lower surface and slanted sidewallsextending away from the lower surface. The slanted sidewalls are to keepthe ball 101 inside of the track, even under high momentum.

In various embodiments, the track kit 100 further includes a number ofmagnetic connectors including first connectors 130A that are (or can be)coupled to a trailing end of a track segment and second connectors 130Bthat are (or can be) coupled to a leading end of the track segment. Thetrailing end is the left-most end of the track segment and the leadingend is the right most end of the track segment, as the magnets aregenerally located on one side of the magnetic connectors. In analternative embodiment, where the magnets are located on the oppositeside of the connectors and are placed from right to left, the trailingand leading ends may be reversed. These magnetic connectors aregenerally made the same and are compatible with each other so as toubiquitously attach to any track segment type and so that each secondconnector 130B can mate with each first connector 130A at a transitionfrom one track segment to another track segment. Some track kits can bemanufactured with differing numbers of magnets within the magneticconnectors for different types of capabilities or function, as will bediscussed in more detail.

In some embodiments, the track segments and the magnetic connectors are3D printed as was discussed. These track components can be 3D printedusing different types of polymers or other known materials used in 3Dprinting. The type of polymer can vary, for example, by using polylacticacid (PLA), polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG or PET-G),Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), Poly-ethylene terephthalate(sometimes written poly(ethylene terephthalate)), commonly abbreviatedPET (or PETE), polycarbonate, nylon, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE),thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), thermoplastic copolyester (TPC), orwoof-infused polymer. The PLA is easily produced in high quality resultswhile also being durable and biodegradable. These other listed types ofpolymers are also strong and lightweight and impart various advantagesin use in 3D printing.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an assembly 200 of track segments usingmagnetic connectors attached to ferromagnetic metallic plates of thetrack kit 100 according to an embodiment. FIG. 2B is a top view of theassembly of FIG. 2A according to an embodiment. In the illustratedembodiment, the assembly 200 includes several straight segments 106 oftrack along with corresponding pairs of the first connector 130A and thesecond connector 130B.

In various embodiments, the magnetic connectors are releasably attachedto a vertical surface 211 that is not ferromagnetic. The track kit 100may, therefore, include ferromagnetic plates 203 to be attached to thevertical surface first, e.g., through use of an adhesive 205 such aswall putty, strong double-backed tape, or the like, before attaching thetrack segments 106. The ferromagnetic plates 203 can be a circularferromagnetic plate 203A or an elongated ferromagnetic plate 203B, suchas a rectangular or oblong ferromagnetic plate. These ferromagneticplates 203 can be made out of the same or similar metal discussed withreference to the flat ferromagnetic metal sheet 102. As discussed, theferromagnetic plates 203 can be included within the track kit 100, e.g.,in lieu of or in additional to the flat ferromagnetic metal sheet 102.In this way, the track kit 100 can be flexibly employed using the flatferromagnetic metal sheet 102, which is expandable in a customizedfashion using the ferromagnetic plates 203 for building the track on topof non-metal vertical surfaces.

FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C are perspective, top, and bottom exploded views,respectively, of a track segment 306 and magnetic connector combinationaccording to various embodiments. The track segment 306 is one of thestraight segments 106, but in alternative embodiments, is one of theother track segments discussed with reference to FIG. 1 . Each of thetrack segments illustrated in FIG. 1 and throughout this application canvary in profile of the track segment. More specifically, each tracksegment defines a channel through which the ball 101 (or other rollingobject) passes down the track. The channel may have a profile that isU-shaped, V-shaped, semicircular, and/or that has 3, 4, 5, or 10 edgesof the like.

In various embodiments, the magnetic connectors include a firstconnector 330A and a second connector 330B, where the first connector330A is coupled to a trailing end of the track segment 306 and thesecond connector 330B is coupled to a leading end of the track segment306. The connectors are sized to be much shorter than (e.g., typicallyno more than twenty percent (20%) although some may be as much as fortypercent (40%) for shorter track pieces) the length of the tracksegments, thus enabling the use of a reduced track profile and thus thematerial needed to manufacture the track kit. Using less material meansreducing the cost to manufacture the track kit 100.

In various embodiments, the first connector 330A and the secondconnector 330B each includes a front surface 331, a backside of whichcan be tapered in order to oppose and provide force on an end of thetrack segment 306. Within an interior of each of the first connector330A and the second connector 330B further includes a locking surface334 and two slanted sidewalls 336, each extending from the lockingsurface 334 to a protruding edge 338. The protruding edge 338 can bebiased against a top edge of the track segment 306 when connecting thetwo track components. For example, each of the two slanted sidewalls 336may include a protrusion (e.g., protruding edge 338) extending to theinterior thereof, each protrusion to grip a top of a side of the tracksegment 306.

In some embodiments, the first connector 330A and the second connector330B each include a lock protrusion 340A that extends above the lockingsurface 334. A bottom surface of the track segment 306 can include alock depression 340B that is sized to receive the lock protrusion 340Awhile the end of the track segment 306 is biased against the backside ofthe front surface 331. In this way, each magnetic connector can bepermanently attached in a locked state to the end of the track segment306 by sliding the magnetic connector onto the end of the track segment306, e.g., from a direction along a longitudinal axis formed by a lengthof the track segment 306, thus avoiding the use of adhesives, as wasdiscussed previously. Thus, each magnetic connector is slidable onto atleast one end of each track segment as generally discussed herein.Although permanently attached, the magnetic connectors can still beremoved from the end of the track segment, if desired and withsufficient force, such as to re-attach the magnetic connectors todifferent track segments. A child would not typically have the forcerequired to separate the magnetic connectors from the track segments(e.g., five or more pounds), thus not creating a choking hazard.

In disclosed embodiments, the first connector 330A further includes afemale registry feature 332A and the second connector 330B furtherincludes a male registry feature 332B, each defined within a respectivefront surface 331. The female registry feature 332A of one of the firstconnectors 330A is adapted to receive the male registry feature 332B ofone of the second connectors 330B, to help attach the two together inbuilding track segments into a larger track and supporting additionalshear force while staying attached. The support of additional shearforce enables greater resistance to movement when subjected to higherdynamic loading, e.g., fast moving ball or dropping ball onto a tracksegment. Also, as will be discussed, a magnet can be positioned withinthe magnetic connectors behind the front surface 331 to also provide anattractive magnetic force in addition to the shear force. These twoforces provide a strength at a low cost that will keep the trackassembled despite significant dynamic loads, e.g., staying assembledwhile supporting a ⅝^(ths) inch marble dropping from one to six inchesabove the track.

FIG. 4A is a perspective, see-through view of a magnetic connector for atrailing end of a track segment according to an embodiment. FIG. 4B is aside, see-through view of the magnetic connector of FIG. 4A according toan embodiment. FIG. 4C is a perspective see-through view of a magneticconnector for a leading end of a track segment according to anembodiment. FIG. 4D is a side, see-through view of the magneticconnector of FIG. 4C according to an embodiment.

The magnetic connector in FIGS. 4A-4B, for example, is the firstconnector 330A and the magnetic connector in FIGS. 4C-4D is the secondconnector 330B, which were discussed with reference to FIGS. 3A-3C. Asan additional feature to these magnetic connectors, when each magneticconnector is 3D printed, a rectangular space 409 is defined within theside of the magnetic connector that is to be attached to the verticalsurface (e.g., wall). There is still 3D-printed material between therectangular space 409 and the side of the magnetic connector.

In some embodiments, while the 3D printing is paused, a magnet 411 isdisposed within the rectangular space 409, and then the 3D printingfinished, thus burying the magnet 411 invisibly inside of each of themagnetic connectors. In some embodiments, the magnet 411 is ahigh-strength neodymium magnet. Because the magnet 411 is buried withinthe magnetic connectors, the magnet 411 cannot fall out and create achoking (or other health) hazard. Further, assembly time of gluing orusing adhesives to affix the magnets is avoided, and the lack ofadhesives enables the track components to remain clean and maintain aclean appearance without glue drops or other visual flaws.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged side view of a lock mechanism 500 between a tracksegment and the magnetic connector of FIGS. 4A-4B, e.g., the firstconnector 330A. As illustrated in the exploded view of the lockmechanism 500, the lock protrusion 340A fits inside of the lockdepression 340B and is held there with the biasing force of the tracksegment 306 against the backside of the front surface 331 of the firstconnector 330A. Although not illustrated, the lock mechanism 500 alsoexists between the track segment 306 and the second connector 330B, asillustrated with reference to FIGS. 3A-3C.

In this way, the each magnetic connector can be permanently attached ina locked state to the end of the track segment 306, thus avoiding theuse of adhesives, as was discussed previously. Although permanentlyattached, the magnetic connectors can still be removed from the end ofthe track segment, if desired and with sufficient force, e.g., 0.25 to10 pounds, such as to re-attach the magnetic connectors to differenttrack segments.

With further reference to FIG. 5 , the distance A defines aconnector-track overlap that can range approximately between +0.001 and+0.020 inches. The distance B defines a connector-track offset, e.g.,between a back wall of the lock depression 340B and the back wall of thelock protrusion 340A, when in locking position. In various embodiments,the distance B can range approximately between -0.010 and +0.010 inches.The range of distance B includes a negative endpoint due to accuracy invariations during manufacturing, to ensure a locking fit between thelock protrusion 340A and the lock depression 340B. The angle θ definesan angle between the back wall of the lock depression 340B and a top ofa locking surface of the track segment 306. The angle θ can generallyrange between 45 and 90 degrees, although other values outside of thisrange may also be acceptable. These ranges for distance A, distance B,an angle θ may be scaled up or down for different-sized tracks, and arethus merely exemplary of the currently-sized design.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are top and bottom exploded views, respectively, of atrack segment 606 and coupled magnetic connectors according to anotherembodiment. The coupled magnetic connectors can include a thirdconnector 630A and a fourth connector 630B, where the third connector630A is coupled to a trailing end of the track segment 606 and thefourth connector 630B is coupled to a leading end of the track segment606. The magnetic connectors are sized to be much shorter than (e.g.,typically no more than twenty percent (20%) although some may be as muchas forty percent (40%) for shorter track pieces) the length of the tracksegments, thus enabling the use of a reduced track profile and thus thematerial needed to manufacture the the track kit.

In various embodiments, the third connector 630A and the fourthconnector 630B each includes a front surface 631 of a back wall thereof.The back wall can define notched area 633 that removes material andcorresponds to a height of the track segment so that the ball 101 canroll unimpeded through the magnetic connectors. Within an interior ofeach of the third connector 630A and the fourth connector 630B furtherincludes a locking surface 634 and two slanted sidewalls 636, eachextending from the locking surface 634 to a protruding edge 638. In oneembodiment, the protruding edge 638 is biased against a top edge of thetrack segment 606 when connecting the two track components.

In some embodiments, the third connector 630A and the fourth connector630B each include a group of ridges 640A that extends above the lockingsurface 634. A bottom surface of the track segment 606 can include agroup of channels 640B that are sized to receive the group of ridges640A while the end of the track segment 606 is biased against the backwall. In this way, each magnetic connector can be permanently attachedin a locked state to the end of the track segment 606, thus avoiding theuse of adhesives, as was discussed previously. Although permanentlyattached, the magnetic connectors can still be removed from the end ofthe track segment, if desired and with sufficient force, such as tore-attach the magnetic connectors to different track segments.

In disclosed embodiments, the third connector 630A further includes oneor more female registry feature 632A and the fourth connector 630Bfurther includes one or more male registry feature 632B, each definedwithin a respective front surface 631. Each female registry feature 632Aof one of the third connectors 630A is adapted to receive a maleregistry feature 632B of one of the fourth connectors 630B, to helpattach the two together in building track segments into a larger trackand supporting additional shear force while staying attached. Thesupport of additional shear force enables greater resistance to movementwhen subjected to higher dynamic loading, e.g., fast moving ball ordropping the ball onto a track segment. Also, as will be discussed, amagnet can be positioned within the magnetic connectors behind the frontsurface 631 to also provide an attractive magnetic force in addition tothe shear force. These two forces provide a strength at a low cost thatwill keep the track assembled despite significant dynamic loads, e.g.,staying assembled while supporting a ⅝^(ths) inch marble dropping fromone to six inches above the track.

FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C are a perspective view and top and front see-throughviews, respectively, of a magnetic connector having two side magnets andto couple to a trailing end of a track segment according an embodiment.For example, the magnetic connector can be a fifth connector 730A that,like the first connector 330A, includes a front face 731, a lockingsurface 734 having a lock protrusion 740A, and two sidewalls 736 thateach extend from the locking surface 734 to a protruding edge 738. Thefifth connector 730A can further include a female registry feature 732A.

In various embodiments, a second outer sidewall of the fifth connector730A can include a male registry feature 750A and a first outer sidewallof the fifth connector 730A can include a female registry feature 750B.The female registry feature 750B of one of the fifth connectors 730A canreceive the male registry feature 750A of another one of the fifthconnectors 730A when in a side-by-side configuration.

In some embodiments, the fifth connector 730A includes a first magnet711A embedded in the first outer sidewall and a second magnet 711Bembedded in the second outer sidewall of the fifth connector 730A. Thesemagnets can be inserted during 3D printing, injection molding, or othertype of manufacturing process. The top see-through view of FIG. 7Billustrates a horizontal positioning of the magnets according to anembodiment and the front see-through view of FIG. 7C illustratesvertical and horizontal positioning of the magnets. In embodiments, thefirst magnet 711A is polarized in the same direction as second magnet711B within each connector so that the two magnets attract to enableside-by-side attachment of two of the fifth connectors 730A. However,the first magnet 711A and the second magnet 711B within the fifthconnector 730A are polarized opposite to the first magnet 711A and thesecond magnet 711B within the sixth connector 730B. When attached inthis way, the male registry feature 750A fits inside of the femaleregistry feature 750B to again, as explained previously, provide supportfrom lateral stresses and dynamic loads.

FIGS. 7D, 7E, 7F are a perspective view and top and front see-throughviews, respectively, of a magnetic connector having two side magnets andto couple to a leading end of a track segment according an embodiment.For example, the magnetic connector can be a sixth connector 730B that,like the second connector 330B, includes the front face 731, the lockingsurface 734 having the lock protrusion 740A, and two sidewalls 736 thateach extend from the locking surface 734 to the protruding edge 738. Thesixth connector 730B can further include a male registry feature 732Badapted to fit inside of the female registry feature 732A to providesupport against shear stresses and dynamic loads when one of the sixthconnectors 730B is attached to one of the fifth connectors 730A (seeFIG. 1 ).

In various embodiments, a second outer sidewall of the sixth connector730A can include the male registry feature 750A and a first outersidewall of the sixth connector 730A can include a female registryfeature 750B. The female registry feature 750B of one of the sixthconnectors 730B can receive the male registry feature 750A of anotherone of the sixth connectors 730B when in a side-by-side configuration.

In some embodiments, the sixth connector 730B includes the first magnet711A embedded in the first outer sidewall and the second magnet 711Bembedded in the second outer sidewall of the fifth connector 730B. Thesemagnets can be inserted during 3D printing, injection molding, or othertype of manufacturing process. The top see-through view of FIG. 7Dillustrates a horizontal positioning of the magnets according to anembodiment and the front see-through view of FIG. 7C illustratesvertical and horizontal positioning of the magnets. In embodiments, thefirst magnet 711A is polarized in the same direction as the secondmagnet 711B so that the two magnets attract to enable side-by-sideattachment of two of the sixth connectors 730B. When attached in thisway, the male registry feature 750A fits inside of the female registryfeature 750B to again, as explained previously, provide support fromlateral stresses and dynamic loads.

FIG. 8 is a top view of two track segments, a first track segment 806Aand a second tack segment 806B, which are interconnected using polaropposite magnets in coupled magnetic connectors according to anembodiment. In various embodiments, each of the first track segment 806Aand the second track segment 806B includes a first connector 830Aattached to a trailing end of the track segment and a second connector830 attached to a leading end of the track segment. The second connector830B of the first track segment 806A thus attaches to the firstconnector 830A of the second track segment.

In various embodiments, the first connector 830A includes a first magnet811A and the second connector 830B includes a second magnet 811C, eachof which is oppositely polarized along the corresponding outersidewalls. Thus, the first magnet 811A that is embedded in the firstconnector 830A has an opposite polarity to the second magnet 811C thatis embedded in the second connector 830B, such that the second connector830B is attracted to another first connector, which is attached to asecond track segment. Although the first magnet 811A is illustrated ashaving a north/south polarization and the second magnet 811C as having asouth/north polarization with respect to a vertical surface (e.g.,wall), these can be switched and still be oppositely polarized. Due tothe opposite polarization between the first magnet 811A and the secondmagnet 811C, the first connector 830A and the second connectors 830B aremutually attracted, thus helping, along with male and female registryfeatures discussed herein, to keep the two magnetic connectors attached.As will be discussed with reference to FIGS. 9A-9B, the magneticconnectors can also have a magnet in (e.g., behind) a front surface thatinterfaces with another connector, which are also oppositely polarizedthat can provide still further attractive force between the first andsecond connectors 830A and 830B.

FIG. 9A is a top, exploded view of a track segment 906 and pair ofmagnetic connectors having three magnets according to an embodiment. Forexample, the pair of magnetic connectors can include a seventh connector930A and an eighth connector 930B. FIG. 9B is a cross-section view ofthe track segment 906 and the pair of magnetic connectors along SectionA-A illustrated in FIG. 9A according to an embodiment. FIG. 9C is a sideview of the track segment and pair of magnetic connectors of FIG. 9Aaccording to an embodiment. FIG. 9D is the cross-section view of thetrack segment and pair of magnetic connectors along Section B-Billustrated in FIG. 9A according to an embodiment.

As the track components illustrated in FIGS. 9A-9D have similar featuresto those already discussed, particular mention is made of different oradditional features. In some embodiments, each of the seventh connector930A and the eighth connector 930B include three magnets that can beinserted after 3D printing or other manner of manufacturing. In oneembodiment, a first magnet 911A is located within a first outer side, asecond magnet 911B is located within a second outer side opposite fromthe first outer side, and a third magnet 911C is located within a frontside 931 of each of the seventh and eighth connectors 930A and 930B. Thepositioning of the magnets is such that insertion of the track segment906 results in holding the magnets in place in their desired position asshown. Accordingly, FIG. 9A labels the locations where the magnets arelocated as the first magnet 911A, the second magnet 911B, and the thirdmagnet 911C, respectively. FIG. 9B, furthermore, illustrates both thefirst magnet 911A and the third magnet 911C as the view fromcross-section A-A of FIG. 9A.

In various embodiments, the first magnet 911A in each of the seventhconnector 930A and the eighth connector 930B is employed for attachingthe two connectors to a ferromagnetic metallic surface such as the flatferromagnetic metal sheet 102 or the ferromagnetic plates 203 (FIG. 2A).Furthermore, the second magnet 911B in each of the seventh connector930A and the eighth connector 930B is optionally employed forside-by-side attachment to another one of each of the seventh connector930A and the eighth connector 930B, respectively. Finally, the thirdmagnet 911C in each of the seventh connector 930A and the eighthconnector 930B can be employed to help attach one of the eighthconnectors 930B to one of the seventh connectors 930A in attaching twotrack segments to each other. Adding the third magnet 911C behind afront surface 931 of each magnetic connector provides additional forceof attraction between mating connectors that is in addition to theresistance to shear force provided by registry marks, which was alreadydiscussed.

With additional reference to FIGS. 9A-9D, each of the seventh connector930A and the eighth connector 930B includes a cutout 925A area (bestseen in FIG. 9D) just below a protruding edge 938 (e.g., an upper lip)on each side of the two magnetic connectors. The view of FIG. 9Dillustrates just the cutouts 925A on one side by way of example, but areunderstood to exist on both sides. Further, the track segment 906includes a tab 925B (e.g., a protrusion) extending from the upper edgeof sides of respective ends of the track segment 906. These tabs 925Bthen correspond to and insert inside of the cutouts 925A of the magneticconnectors as an alternative lock design to secure the seventh connector930A and the eighth connector 930B to the track segment 906. In anotherembodiment, each of the seventh connector 930A and the eighth connector930B may include a tab (e.g., a protrusion) instead of a cutout, and thetrack segment 906 may include a cutout instead of a tab. In anotherembodiment, each of the seventh connector 930A and the eighth connector930B may include a tab (e.g., a protrusion) on one side and a cutout onthe other side that correspond to and insert inside of a respectivecutout and tab on the sides of the track segment 906.

FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C are rear perspective, front perspective, and topexploded views, respectively, of a pair of connectors coupled to a tracksegment according to an embodiment. FIGS. 10D and 10E are the rearperspective and front perspective exploded views of FIGS. 10A and 10B,respectively, after insertion of side magnets according to anembodiment. For simplicity of explanation, the embodiment of FIGS.10A-10E are discussed as an extension of the embodiment of FIGS. 9A-9D.

In various embodiments, each of the seventh connector 930A and theeighth connector 930B is 3D printed (or otherwise manufactured) toinclude a first opening 1060 in a first inner side wall (e.g., sidewall736 of FIGS. 7A and 7D), a second opening 1062 in a second inner sidewall opposite the first inner side wall, and a third opening 1066 in thefront side 931. Instead of completing the 3D printing to cover theseopenings, the 3D printing can be completed in a continuous operation anddefine the first opening 1060, the second opening 1062, and the thirdopening 1066.

In corresponding embodiments, after 3D printing is complete, a firstmagnet 1011A is inserted in the first opening 1060, a second magnet (notillustrated but understood to be in the opposing sidewall from the firstmagnet) in the second opening 1062, and a third magnet 1011C is insertedin the front side 931 of each of the seventh connector 930A and theeighth connector 930B. Because the seventh connector 930A and the eighthconnector 930B are oriented generally horizontally when attached to atrack segment 906, these magnets do not fall out during assembly and arepermanently affixed inside the connectors. In this way, the track kit100 can be built with a certain number of insertable magnets that can beswapped in and out of the connectors depending which ones are beingused.

This adaptation to the track kit 100 can enable the manufacturing of thetrack kit 100 less expensively as the magnets are one of the higher costcomponents. Furthermore, some of the ways of assembling the magneticconnectors and the track segments may obviate the need for the secondmagnet and/or the third magnet, and thus more of the included magnetscan be used as the first magnet 1011A for attachment of the magneticconnectors to a ferromagnetic surface.

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of a snake track segment 1100 accordingto an embodiment. FIG. 11B is an exploded view of a hinge 1110 betweenmovable sections of the snake track segment 1100 according to anembodiment. FIG. 11C is a top view of the snake track segment 1100according to an embodiment. The snake track segment 110 may be the sameor similar as the snake segment 120 illustrated in FIG. 1 .

In these embodiments, the snake track segment 1100 can include a numberof sub-segments, such as a first sub-segment 1100A, a second sub-segment1100B, and a third sub-segment 1100C, which are formed by 3D printing.The layers of the snake track segment 1100 can be laid down in such away that simultaneously forms the hinge 1110 between each sub-segment.The hinge 1110 can include a male portion 1112 that rotatably attachesinside of a female portion 1114. Because the layers of the 3D printingthat make up the hinge also extend, at least in part, through to formthe sub-segments, the sub-segments of the snake track segment 1100 canmove with respect to each other. A bottom side of the end portions ofthe outer sub-segments can form a lock depression 1140B, which may besimilar to the lock depression 340B discussed with reference to FIGS.3B-3C.

FIGS. 12A, 12B, 12C are a perspective, a top, and a bottom view,respectively, of a funnel track segment 1200 according to an embodiment.The funnel track segment 1200 may be the same or similar as the funnelsegment 124 illustrated in FIG. 1 . The funnel track segment 1200 mayinclude a track segment 1206 (similar to the other track segmentsdiscussed herein), but from which is formed (e.g., 3D printed) a funnel1204. The funnel 1204 may be generally cone-shaped with a largercircumference around and building from the track segment 1206 anddropping down to a smaller circumference at a bottom of the funnel 1204.In this way, a ball traveling either direction down the track segment1206 falls through and out a bottom of the funnel 1204 onto anothertrack segment or assembly.

The funnel track 1200 may further include an extended cantilever 1208having a drop 1214 at an end thereof. The extended cantilever 1208 maybe generally printed up off an opposite side of the track segment 1206from the funnel 1204. The drop 1214 may protrude partially, from theextended cantilever 1208, down towards the funnel 1204. In this way, ifa ball traveling down the track segment 1206 is bouncing or moving abovea surface of the track segment 1206, the ball impinges against the drop1214 and is forced into the upper circumference of the funnel 1204 tofall down through the funnel 1204. Further, a bottom side of the tracksegment 1206 may form a lock depression 1240B, which may be similar tothe lock depression 340B discussed with reference to FIGS. 3B-3C.

FIGS. 13A and 13B are back perspective and front perspective views,respectively, of a pegs track segment 1300 according to an embodiment.The pegs track segment 1300 may include a track segment 1306 (similar tothe other track segments discussed herein), but from which is formed apeg-board-like structure having sidewalls 1308, a lattice structure 1310within the sidewalls 1308, and multiple pegs 1315 attached atintersections of the lattice structure 1310. In some embodiments, themultiple pegs 1315 are attached generally perpendicular to the latticestructure 1310. The sidewalls 1308 and lattice structure 1310 mayconverge into a bottom orifice 1320. In this way, a ball that istraveling either direction down the track segment 1306 is randomlydirected between the multiple pegs 1315 and ultimately through theorifice 1320 at the bottom of the pegs track segment 1300. The ball mayfall out of the orifice onto another track segment or assembly.

FIGS. 14A, 14B, 14C are perspective, side, and top views, respectively,of a side-by-side track assembly 1400 using magnets on two sides ofmagnetic connectors according to various embodiments. The side-by-sidetrack assembly 1400 may include a first track assembly 1403 magneticallyattached to the flat ferromagnetic metal sheet 102 (or to aferromagnetic metallic vertical surface) and a second track assembly1406 attached to the first track assembly 1403. In some embodiments, asillustrated in FIGS. 14A-14C, the second track assembly 1406 may also,in part, be attached to the flat ferromagnetic metal sheet 102, e.g., byway of one of the track segments being contoured to bend inwardly froman outer positon of the second track assembly 1406 to an inner positionof the first track assembly. In this way, the first track assembly 1403and the second track assembly 1406 may be built in parallel to create aset of racetracks for racing a first ball 101A against a second ball101B. The first track assembly 1403 and the second track assembly 1406may, of course, be built to be much longer and include many more piecessuch as illustrated in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 15A is a side view of a double-starter track segment 1500 and apair of magnetic connectors according to an embodiment. For example, thepair of magnetic connectors can include a ninth connector 1530A and atenth connector 1530B. FIGS. 15B and 15C are cross-section views of thedouble-starter track segment 1500 illustrated in FIG. 15A along SectionA-A and Section B-B, respectively, according to an embodiment. FIG. 15Dis a side view of the double-starter track segment 1500 and pair ofmagnetic connectors in an opened position according to an embodiment.FIG. 15E is a perspective view of the double-starter track segment 1500and pair of magnetic connectors according to an embodiment.

As the track components illustrated in FIGS. 15A-15E have similarfeatures to those already discussed, particular mention is made ofdifferent or additional features. In some embodiments, thedouble-starter track segment 1500 includes track segments 1506A and1506B (similar to the other track segments discussed herein), startergates 1510A and 1510B, gate supports 1512A and 1512B, starter yoke 1514,and yoke guides 1516A and 1516B. The starter gates 1510A and 1510B mayhave an opened position, as shown in FIG. 15A, and a closed position, asshown in FIG. 15D. The starter gates 1510A and 1510B may be rotationallycoupled to gate supports 1512A and 1512B respectively. Starter gates1510A-B may also be permanently coupled to gate supports 1512A-B in sucha way as to prevent starter gates 1510A-B from sliding off the end ofgate supports 1512A-B.

In some embodiments, the double-starter track segment 1500 ismanufactured using 3D printing. The layers of the double-starter tracksegment 1500 can be laid down in such a way that simultaneously formsthe permanent, rotated coupling between the starter gates 1510A-B andthe gate supports 1512A-B, respectively.

In some embodiments, the double-starter track segment 1500 transitionsfrom a closed position to an opened position by applying a downwardforce to the starter yoke 1514. The starter yoke 1514 may be coupled tothe ends of the starter gates 1510A-B such that the linear motion of thestarter yoke 1514 is translated into rotational motion of the startergates 1510A-B, which are lifted up above the track segments 1506A and1506B, respectively. Thus, actuation of the starter yoke 1514 may alloweach starter gate 1510A and 1510B to transition from a closed positionto an opened position at the same speed. When both starter gates 1510Aand 1510B are lifted up, two balls (not shown) may start rolling downtrack segments 1506A and 1506B, respectively, at the same time. In thisway, the starter yoke 1514 may be actuated to start a race between thetwo balls.

The starter yoke 1514 may be slidably coupled to the yoke guides 1516Aand 1516B in such a way that the starter yoke 1514 can move verticallybetween yoke guides 1516A and 1516B. For example, the starter yoke 1514may include a pair of rectangular sidewalls that move within the yokeguides 1516A and 1516B, respectively. In some embodiments, the starteryoke 1514 and the yoke guides 1516A-B are 3D-printed in place, e.g., andare thus formed as a single piece with mutually moving structures.Accordingly, assembly time to put the starter yoke 1514 in between theyoke guides 1516A-B and simultaneously couple the starter yoke 1514 tothe ends of the starter gates 1510A-B is avoided with 3D printed. Insome embodiments, because the starter yoke 1514 is also coupled to theends of starter gates 1510A-B, the starter yoke 1514 may be permanentlycoupled between yoke guides 1516A-B such that the starter yoke 1514cannot be separated from the double-starter track segment 1500.

FIG. 15B is a cross-section view of the double-starter track segment1500 illustrated in FIG. 15A along Section A-A according to anembodiment. FIG. 15B shows an example of permanent, rotated coupling ofthe starter gate 1510A to the gate support 1512A and relative to thetrack segment 1506A. FIG. 15C is a cross-section view of thedouble-starter track segment 1500 illustrated in FIG. 15A along SectionB-B according to an embodiment. FIG. 15C shows an example coupling ofthe starter yoke 1514 between the yoke guides 1516A and 1516B.

FIG. 16A is a side view of a gate actuator track segment 1600A thatinteracts with a gate track segment 1600B according to an embodiment.The gate actuator track segment 1600A and the gate track segment 1600Bmay include a pair of magnetic connectors. The pair of magneticconnectors can include an eleventh connector 1630A and a twelfthconnector 1630B. FIG. 16B is a perspective view of the gate actuatortrack segment 1600A in a closed position and a pair of magneticconnectors 1630A and 1630B according to an embodiment. FIG. 16C is aside view of the gate actuator track segment 1600A in an opened positionand a pair of magnetic connectors 1630A and 1630B according to anembodiment. FIG. 16D is a perspective view of the gate track segment1600B in a closed position and a pair of magnetic connectors 1630A and1630B according to an embodiment. FIG. 16E is a side view of the gatetrack segment 1600B in an opened position and a pair of magneticconnectors 1630A and 1630B according to an embodiment.

As the track components illustrated in FIGS. 16A-16E have similarfeatures to those already discussed, particular mention is made ofdifferent or additional features. In some embodiments, the gate actuatortrack segment 1600A includes a track segment 1606 (similar to the othertrack segments discussed herein), a set of rotational stops 1610A and1610B, an actuator support 1612, and an actuator 1614 such as a lever.The actuator 1614 may have a closed position, as shown in FIG. 16B, andan opened position, as shown in FIG. 16C. The actuator 1614 may berotationally coupled to the actuator support 1612. The actuator 1614 mayalso have an attachment point 1616 that is connected to an attachmentpoint 1626 of the gate track segment 1600B by a connector 1618. Theconnector 1618 may be a string, a cord, a wire, a chain, a rod, or thelike.

In some embodiments, the gate track segment 1600B includes the tracksegment 1606 (similar to the other track segments discussed herein), agate support 1622, and a gate 1624. The gate 1624 may have a closedposition, as shown in FIG. 16D, and an opened position, as shown in FIG.16E. The gate 1624 may be rotationally coupled to the gate support 1622.As mentioned above, the gate may have an attachment point 1626.

In some embodiments, the gate actuator 1614 and the gate 1624 arecoupled to the actuator support 1612 and the gate support 1622,respectively, using a press-fit connection. In some embodiments, thegate actuator track segment 1600A transitions from the closed positionto the opened position by applying a force to the surface of the lowerend of the actuator 1614. For example, the force may be applied to theactuator 1614 by a first ball (not shown) rolling down the track segment1606 of the gate actuator track segment 1600A. The actuator 1614 mayrotate until contacting the rotational stops 1610A-B.

In some embodiments, the gate track segment 1600B transitions from theclosed position to the opened position when a force is applied to thesurface of the lower end of the actuator 1614. The gate 1624 may beconnected to the gate actuator 1614 by the connector 1618. The rotationof gate actuator 1614 may cause gate 1624 to rotate (e.g., lift)concurrently with the rotation of the gate actuator 1614. When the gate1624 is lifted, a second ball (not shown) may start rolling down thetrack segment 1606 of the gate track segment 1600B.

FIG. 17A is a perspective view of a light switcher track segment 1700and a pair of magnetic connectors according to an embodiment. Forexample, the pair of magnetic connectors can include a thirteenthconnector 1730A and a fourteenth connector 1730B. FIG. 17B is aperspective view of a light switcher track segment 1700 and a pair ofmagnetic connectors 1730A and 1730B with a light switcher dropper 1712according to an embodiment. FIG. 17C is a cross-section view of thelight switcher dropper 1712 illustrated in FIG. 17B along Section B-Baccording to an embodiment. FIG. 17D is a perspective view of a toggleswitch actuator 1720 according to an embodiment. FIG. 17E is aperspective view of a rocker switch actuator 1730 according to anembodiment.

As the track components illustrated in FIGS. 17A-17B and FIGS. 17F-17Ghave similar features to those already discussed, particular mention ismade of different or additional features. In some embodiments, the lightswitcher track segment 1700 includes a track segment 1706 (similar tothe other track segments discussed herein), a light switcher droppersupport 1710, and a light switcher dropper 1712. In some embodiments,the light switcher dropper may include an attachment point 1714 and aridged cutout 1716 as shown in FIG. 17C. The light switcher droppersupport 1710 may include a group of ridges. The ridged cutout 1716 ofthe light switcher dropper 1712 may include a group of channels that aresized to receive the group of ridges of the light switcher droppersupport 1710. The ridged cutout 1716 may have a group of channels thatare sized to receive the group of ridges of the light switcher droppersupport 1710 on both an upper and a lower surface, allowing the lightswitcher dropper 1712 to rest on the light switcher dropper support 1710in multiple orientations.

With additional reference to FIG. 17D, in some embodiments, the toggleswitch actuator 1720 includes a mounting surface 1722, an attachmentpoint 1724, a set of female hinge pieces 1726A and 1726B, and a set ofmale hinge pieces 1728A and 1728B. In some embodiments, the female hingepieces 1726A-B and the male hinge pieces 1728A-B are similar to thefemale portion 1114 and the male portion 1112, respectively, of thehinge 1110, which is illustrated in FIG. 11B. For example, the malehinge pieces 1728A-B can rotationally move inside of the female hingepieces 1726A-B of the toggle switch actuator 1720. With additionalreference to FIG. 17E, in some embodiments, the rocker switch actuator1730 includes a mounting surface 1732, an attachment point 1734, and anattachment point extender 1736.

FIG. 17F is a perspective view of a light switcher track segment 1700with a light switcher dropper 1712 connected to a toggle switch actuator1720 mounted to a toggle light switch 1742 according to an embodiment.In some embodiments, the attachment point 1714 of the light switcherdropper 1712 is connected to the attachment point 1724 of the toggleswitch actuator 1720 by a connector 1740. The connector 1740 may be astring, a cord, a wire, a chain, or the like. The mounting surface 1722of the toggle switch actuator 1720 may be attached to the toggle lightswitch 1742 just above the light toggle switch 1744, for example.

FIG. 17G is a perspective view of a light switcher track segment 1700with a light switcher dropper 1712 connected to a rocker switch actuator1730 mounted to a rocker light switch 1752 according to an embodiment.In some embodiments, the attachment point 1714 of the light switcherdropper 1712 is connected to the attachment point 1734 of the rockerswitch actuator 1730 by the connector 1740 (or a similar connector). Themounting surface 1732 of the rocker switch actuator 1730 may be attachedto the lower surface 1754B of a light rocker switch 1754. In anotherembodiment, the mounting surface 1732 of the rocker switch actuator 1730may be attached to the upper surface 1754A of the light rocker switch1754.

In some embodiments, the light switcher dropper 1712 rests on the lightswitcher dropper support 1710 and is attached to a light switch actuator(e.g., the toggle switch actuator 1720 or the rocker switch actuator1730). When a ball (not shown) rolls down the track segment 1706, theball may contact the light switcher dropper 1712 with sufficient forceto displace the light switcher dropper 1712 from the light switcherdropper support 1710 causing the light switcher dropper 1712 to fall. Asthe light switcher dropper 1712 falls, the light switch dropper 1712 mayactuate the connected light switch actuator, causing the light switch(e.g., light toggle switch or light rocker switch) to toggle positions.

More specifically, the light switch dropper 1712 may pull the attachmentpoint 1724 of the toggle switch actuator 1720 downward, which causes thelight toggle switch 1744 to switch to a downward position. Further, thelight switch dropper 1712 may pull the attachment point 1734 of therocker switch actuator 1730 downward, which causes the light rockerswitch 1754 to switch to a downward position. The downward position maybe the OFF position or the ON position depending on implementation andstate of the light toggle switch or light rocker switch before beingswitched downward.

The words “example” or “exemplary” are used herein to mean serving as anexample, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design describedherein as “example” or “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed aspreferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Rather, use ofthe words “example” or “exemplary” is intended to present concepts in aconcrete fashion. As used in this application, the term “or” is intendedto mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or.” That is, unlessspecified otherwise, or clear from context, “X includes A or B” isintended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, ifX includes A; X includes B; or X includes both A and B, then “X includesA or B” is satisfied under any of the foregoing instances. In addition,the articles “a” and “an” as used in this application and the appendedclaims may generally be construed to mean “one or more” unless specifiedotherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form.Moreover, use of the term “an implementation” or “one implementation” or“an embodiment” or “one embodiment” or the like throughout is notintended to mean the same implementation or embodiment unless describedas such. One or more implementations or embodiments described herein maybe combined in a particular implementation or embodiment. The terms“first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” or the like as used herein aremeant as labels to distinguish among different elements and may notnecessarily have an ordinal meaning according to their numericaldesignation. When the term “about” or “approximately” is used herein,this is intended to mean that the nominal value presented is precisewithin ±10%.

In the foregoing specification, embodiments of the disclosure have beendescribed with reference to specific example embodiments thereof. Itwill be evident that various modifications can be made thereto withoutdeparting from the broader spirit and scope of embodiments of thedisclosure as set forth in the following claims. The specification anddrawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative senserather than a restrictive sense.

What is claimed is:
 1. An assembly comprising: a track segment includinga channel for holding a rolling object; a first 3D-printed connectorattachable to a first end of the track segment, wherein the first3D-printed connector is slidable onto the first end of the tracksegment, and wherein the first 3D-printed connector comprises a firstmagnet embedded therein that enables the first 3D-printed connector tobe attachable to a ferromagnetic surface; and a second 3D-printedconnector attachable to a second end of the track segment, wherein thesecond 3D-printed connector is slidable onto the second end of the tracksegment, and wherein the second 3D-printed connector comprises a secondmagnet embedded therein that enables the second 3D-printed connector tobe attached to the ferromagnetic surface, wherein each of the first3D-printed connector and the second 3D-printed connector is a singlepiece.
 2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the first end of the tracksegment comprises a first half of a locking mechanism and the first3D-printed connector comprises a second half of the locking mechanismthat mates with the first half of the locking mechanism to lock thefirst 3D-printed connector to the track segment.
 3. The assembly ofclaim 2, wherein the first half of the locking mechanism is a lockdepression and the second half of the locking mechanism is a lockprotrusion that fits at least partially inside of and is biased againstthe lock depression.
 4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein a front face ofthe first 3D-printed connector comprises a female registry feature and afront face of the second 3D-printed connector comprises a male registryfeature that fits inside of the female registry feature.
 5. The assemblyof claim 1, wherein the first magnet that is embedded in the first3D-printed connector has an opposite polarity to the second magnet thatis embedded in the second 3D-printed connector, such that the secondconnector is attracted to another first 3D-printed connector, which isattached to a second track segment.
 6. A method comprising:three-dimensionally (3D) printing a first connector that is attachableto a first end of a track segment, the track segment including a channelfor holding a rolling object, wherein the first connector is a singlepiece that is slidable onto the first end of the track segment; pausingthe 3D printing of the first connector part-way through the 3D printingof the first connector; inserting a first magnet into the firstconnector while the 3D printing is paused, the first magnet to enablethe first connector to be attachable to a ferromagnetic surface;three-dimensionally (3D) printing a second connector that is attachableto a second end of the track segment, wherein the second connector is asingle piece that is slidable onto the second end of the track segment;pausing the 3D printing of the second connector part-way through the 3Dprinting of the second connector; and inserting a second magnet into thesecond connector while the 3D printing is paused, the second magnet toenable the second connector to be attachable to the ferromagneticsurface.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the first end of the tracksegment comprises a first half of a locking mechanism and wherein 3Dprinting the first connector causes the first connector to comprise asecond half of the locking mechanism that mates with the first half ofthe locking mechanism to lock the first connector to the track segment.8. The method of claim 7, wherein the first half of the lockingmechanism is a lock depression and the second half of the lockingmechanism is a lock protrusion that fits at least partially inside ofand is biased against the lock depression.
 9. The method of claim 6,wherein the second end of the track segment comprises a first half of alocking mechanism and 3D printing the second connector causes the secondconnector to comprise a second half of the locking mechanism that mateswith the first half of the locking mechanism to lock the secondconnector to the track segment.
 10. The method of claim 6, wherein the3D printing of the first connector causes a front face of the firstconnector to comprise a female registry feature and the 3D printing ofthe second connector causes a front face of the second connector tocomprise a male registry feature that fits inside of the female registryfeature.
 11. The method of claim 6, wherein the first magnet that isinserted in the first connector has an opposite polarity to the secondmagnet that is inserted in the second connector, such that the secondconnector is attracted to another first connector, which is attached toa second track segment.
 12. The method of claim 6, further comprising 3Dprinting the track segment as a single piece comprising two or moresub-segments, wherein a first sub-segment has a female portion of ahinge and a second sub-segment has a male portion of a hinge, the maleportion of the hinge rotatably attached to the female portion of thehinge.
 13. The method of claim 6, further comprising 3D printing thetrack segment to be a funnel, the funnel being cone-shaped with a largercircumference near a surface of the track segment and a smallercircumference below the surface of the track segment.
 14. An assemblycomprising: a track segment including a channel for holding a rollingobject, the channel comprising two sidewalls and a middle wall, whereina bottom surface of the middle wall comprises a lock depression; and a3D-printed connector comprising: an interior with a locking surface andtwo sidewalls that extend from the locking surface, the locking surfacecomprising a lock protrusion that fits within the lock depression of themiddle wall of the track segment; and a front face formed at an end ofthe two sidewalls and the locking surface, wherein the front facecomprises a female registry feature shaped to receive a male registryfeature of another of the 3D-printed connector.
 15. The assembly ofclaim 14, further comprising a magnet embedded within a first outersidewall of the 3D-printed connector, the first outer sidewall to beattached to a vertical ferromagnetic surface.
 16. The assembly of claim15, further comprising a second magnet embedded within a second outersidewall of the 3D-printed connector opposite from the first outersidewall, the second outer sidewall to be attached to a first outersidewall of another of the 3D-printed connector.
 17. The assembly ofclaim 15, further comprising a second magnet embedded within an end ofthe 3D-printed connector behind the front surface, the second magnet tobe attracted to a corresponding second magnet of another of the3D-printed connector.
 18. The assembly of claim 14, wherein a length ofthe 3D-printed connector is no more than twenty percent a length of thetrack segment.
 19. The assembly of claim 14, wherein the lock protrusioncomprises a set of ridges and the lock depression comprises a set ofchannels sized to receive the set of ridges.
 20. The assembly of claim14, wherein each of the two sidewalls of the 3D-printed connectorincludes a protrusion extending to the interior thereof, each protrusionto grip a top of respective sidewalls of the track segment.